San Bernardino County, California

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

2 candidates are tracked for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, headed to a November 3, 2026 runoff: Cali Binks and Alejandro "Alex" Vara. Candidate information follows official San Bernardino County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

June 2, 2026 primary result: Cali Binks 38.84 percent and Alejandro "Alex" Vara 31.30 percent advanced to the November runoff over Ray Anthony Culberson (15.21 percent) and Ken Larson (14.65 percent), per the Registrar of Voters' certified Statement of Vote.

What this office does

State board of education member. A state board of education sets statewide academic standards, approves graduation requirements and teacher-licensing rules, adopts the state's school accountability system and, in many states, hires the state superintendent. Members represent districts drawn across the state. Local school boards still run the schools day to day. A regional superintendent of schools handles teacher certification, school safety inspections and other state-mandated services for the school districts in a multi-county region.

This race. Nonpartisan: candidates appear without party labels.

California › San Bernardino County › San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

Cali Binks

Nonpartisan

Top priorities

Expand opportunities for student learning, well-being, and college and career success
Engage families as partners in their children's education
Give educators the resources and tools needed to support students

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Cali Binks is a school district superintendent with 17 years of leadership experience, currently heading Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District after previously leading Fontana Unified, according to her campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Alejandro "Alex" Vara

Nonpartisan

Top priorities

Establish safe classrooms for all students
Support educators by cutting bureaucracy and removing systemic barriers
Direct resources toward students facing poverty, instability, or violence

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Alejandro "Alex" Vara spent 34 years with Rialto Unified School District, rising from aide to teacher to principal, and served eight years on the Redlands Unified Board of Education, according to his campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Next on your ballotSan Bernardino County Board of Education, Area B

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Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools in 2026?

When is the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools election in California?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for California are on the California election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact San Bernardino County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official San Bernardino County and state election office filings, last verified September 27, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official California election office, or see the full San Bernardino County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your San Bernardino County ballot

18 tracked races in San Bernardino County, California. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

City of San Bernardino, Member, City Council, Ward 1 City of San Bernardino, Member, City Council, Ward 2 City of San Bernardino, Member, City Council, Ward 4 See all 18 San Bernardino County races

Candidate profiles

Cali Binks, full profile Alejandro "Alex" Vara, full profile Official California election office